India’s BSE Sensex closed about 0.2% higher at 74,902.6 on Thursday, snapping a three-day losing streak as bargain hunters stepped in after the recent sell-off. Volatility remained elevated, with the expiry of key monthly derivatives contracts and the introduction of a new closing auction mechanism driving sharp swings toward the end of the session. At the same time, investors stayed cautious amid persistent concerns over rising crude oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty.
Gains in banking, power and a few heavyweight counters helped offset weakness in metals, pharmaceuticals and technology stocks. Power Grid was the top performer, rising 2.3%, followed by Axis Bank (up 1.7%), UltraTech Cement (1.4%), NTPC (1.1%), Tech Mahindra (1.1%) and Bharti Airtel (1%). HDFC Bank, L&T and Kotak Mahindra Bank also posted solid advances. On the downside, HCLTech fell 2.4%, while Tata Steel and Trent declined 1.4% and 1.1%, respectively.
